Kapaʻa
Line up for local grinds (food) at this longtime hole-in-the-wall serving generous plate lunches, homemade sushi rolls, spicy ahi poke bowls, savory…
Must-see restaurants in Hawaii
Kohala & Waimea
Burger connoisseurs, prepare to be impressed. Big Island beef, veal and lamb burgers are juicy and tender, while vegetarian options (Waipiʻo Valley taro…
Wailua
One of the most consistent restaurants on the island, seafood is king here, with a half-dozen fresh-catch options, paired with locally grown vegetables…
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
One of several eating choices in an architecturally troubled strip mall, the plate lunches at this simple storefront are superb. Kalua pork, lomilomi…
Honolulu
One of Honolulu's greatest hole-in-the-wall restaurants, Ethel's serves Japanese diner fare with an Okinawan bent and an overlay of Hawaii. This bustling,…
Lahaina
This small but snazzy vegan restaurant is garnering kudos across Maui. With a commitment to zero waste, evidenced by cloth napkins and no single-use items…
Waimea Canyon & the Westside
Hands-down Kaua‘i‘s best bakery, this small organic cafe offers everything from delicate pastries and cinnamon rolls to sourdough loaves and baguettes and…
Windward Coast
The shrimp are fried in garlic and dipped in butter, or you could order mussels or crab legs at this legendary sunny, yellow-painted food truck parked…
Alley Restaurant at ‘Aiea Bowl
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
A bowling-alley-attached restaurant seems an unlikely place to get great food, but not at this fabulous diner. Dig into a scrumptious furikake ahi …
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
The better-than-average modern cuisine crafted from local ingredients may be overpriced for the quality, but you come here for the ambience. Call ahead to…
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
Take a detour down a country road to find this family-run bakery, a pilgrimage for anyone craving a ʻsnow puffy’ (flaky chocolate cream puff dusted with…
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Finally, foodies have a reason to linger in Volcano. Combining local flavors with international flare, the daily-changing portions here may be small, but…
North Kohala
The ever-popular Bamboo offers interesting takes on old standbys, such as mahimahi on focaccia with shredded papaya. It shares space with a gallery and…
Honolulu
This smart-looking corner place has a curving front and is hugely popular with locals. There are four sizable tables out front on Coolidge St, or you can…
Kilauea Bakery & Pau Hana Pizza
Hanalei Bay & the North Shore
Calling itself ‘the original social network,’ this lively bakery-cafe is Kilauea’s all-day comfort food and social hub. Order from the amazing array of…
Kailua
An excellent gourmet, self-serve deli by day, Kalapawai transforms after 5pm into an inviting, eclectic bistro. The eggplant bruschetta and other share…
Haleʻiwa
This place is a real favorite. Many of the ingredients, such as bananas, papayas, mangoes, avocados, passion fruit, oranges, kale and mint, are grown at…
Honolulu
Set in a vintage compound amidst enormous trees, this little cafe cooks up superb breakfasts and lunches. Sit out on the gracious Craftsman-style 1920s…
Honolulu
Walking through the door is like stepping into another era at this legendary institution. Although longtime owner Helena Chock has passed away, her…
South Kohala
This cheerful spot is a favorite with tourists and locals, who snack on excellent coconut shrimp with ginger-guava sauce, ginger-crusted ahi with ponzu…
West Maui
If chef Joey Macadangdang is working the counter, grab a seat and let him tell you what's fresh and what's good. But really, it's all good. Macadangdang…
ʻIao Valley & Central Maui
On busy days, Sam Sato's may use 350lb of noodles to keep the crowds sated. A Hawaii classic, this retro diner packs them in with steaming bowls of…
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
A casual restaurant concept originated by locally renowned chef Peter Merriman. Upscale comfort fare (burgers, sandwiches, seafood, pizza) is sourced…
South Kohala
Since 1998, this shave-ice counter has delighted all comers with snowy shave ice and premium ice cream, which is perfect on a hot day, or following, say,…
The Road to Hana
From his inviting roadside food truck Coconut Glen (aka Glen Simkins) is trying to ‘change the world one scoop at time.’ Pull over for his rather good 100…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
Saimin (Hawaiian-style noodle soup) is the star here – we can't go past the bowl with kimchee and garlic cilantro shrimp. But the whole menu is brilliant,…
West Maui
There are lots of 'Hey babes' flying around between owners and regulars at this welcoming place, where bronzed and waifish surfer girls and health-minded…
South Kohala
Brown's remains a standout for those willing to pay top dollar for island cuisine. Expect gracious service and the finest local ingredients: the surf and…
Honolulu
Arguably the best poke on the island is in this unpromising-looking liquor store. Just head inside to the poke counter in the back and feast your eyes…
West Maui
Coconut-frond umbrellas, sand beneath your sandals, guy strumming guitar. The Barefoot Bar is the best spot on the beach walk to sip mai tais and nibble…
Kailua
It's a little hard to spot from the street, but you'll be glad you made the effort at Kailua's favorite breakfast, brunch and lunch spot. A fave is the…
Honolulu
This impressive cafe at the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum is the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch, or just for a coffee break while perusing the museum's…
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
Located on Bayview Beach, Roy Yamaguchi's Beach House is a casual yet classy place for resort guests, residents and visitors. The open-air restaurant is…
Oʻahu
At Oʻahu’s premier gathering of farmers and their fans, everything sold is locally made or grown and has a loyal following, from Nalo greens to Kahuku…
Hilo
Imagine eating at a friend's home, if your friend were a gourmet chef. This six-person eatery is that small and that special. Paul serves exquisite…
Waikiki
Avocado toast two cuts above the cliche is but one of the delights at this cafe, which is also a gallery for local artists. Enjoy excellent coffee as…
Hilo
This under-the-radar Thai spot is a revelation. Chef Tina steers clear of tired standards and transports Thai cuisine into novel territory – fresher and…
Oʻahu
The Kahala Hotel & Resort's top restaurant scoops accolades and awards annually and is revered for its elegant East-West creations. The Sunday brunch…
Poʻipu & the South Shore
Super-friendly casual restaurant in a plantation-era structure where there’s live Hawaiian music in the central garden courtyard (6-8pm). The simple pub…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
At first it looks like your basic minimart, but hidden among the cold drinks, snacks, flip-flops and sunblock is a damn good deli with sushi and a range…
